Happy {early} birthday Zander!

We celebrated Zander’s fourth birthday this weekend the same way we’ve celebrated every one of my boys’ birthdays --- with a very small gathering of family. This year Zander choses a Thomas/Chuggington train “theme.” I use the word theme lightly because the only thing I ever do for these parties is decorate a cake, buy some wrapping paper, get a balloon bouquet and hang a banner from the window. And even that is pushing it some most years.

But, Zander doesn’t seem to mind. We started with a few snacks and then got to the presents. Zander, the one who should have been most excited to open gifts, was slowly snacking away while Nick was chomping at the bit to see what Zander got that he could steal. There were a lot of great things, but it was this inconspicuous blue bag that got the biggest reaction.

Nick knows there is something good inside. You can see it in his smile. There was a paper organizer (the blue folder on top there). There were envelopes. Yes, envelopes. And that look on Nick’s face --- it’s one of disappointment, not because it was only envelopes, but because it was envelopes.

But the piece de resistance was the three rolls of tape. Yes, tape. The boys have almost used all of their Christmas tape so Zander was really excited to replenish the supply. Nick can only hope that he will share. That’s Zander screaming “TAPE.” I’m not joking. It’s on video and if I had more time I would upload it because I doubt those who weren’t at my house that day would believe me.

And this is him jumping up and down about the tape.

Oh, and there were other presents, too. But nothing could compare to the tape, scissors, envelopes and index cards from Mema. Just ask Zander, he’ll tell ya.

After he opens his presents he went around and gave everyone hugs. They were all cute, but I especially liked this one with his Grandpa and Ben squished in the middle.

Then it was time for cake brownies. My kids don’t really like cake and since I have to make it I don’t mind. I’d rather eat brownies anyway. So, Zander chose Thomas at the party store, but I think it was only because they didn’t have any Chuggington, so when I went to decorate his cake I bought some Chuggington trains for the top (his favorites are on top – Frostini and Action Chugger).

Then we hung out for a few minutes.

Doesn’t he look excited to get his picture taken?

And headed outside so Zander could try out his new rollerblades. 

I also learned (after 32 years) just how redneck my family really is. Apparently my family finds amusement in casting a fishing pole into a bucket.

And then tossing cans into one, too.

The scary part is that it has already rubbed off on Nick. He’s the one that asked to toss the cans into a bucket. They did it one time at my parents’ house or the river or something and he just thought it was such fun. Thankfully they switched to hockey after just a few minutes. I didn’t want the neighbors to start wondering.